The Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to discuss the performance of the council's library services, integrated performance reports, treasury management, customer feedback, and the implications of local government reorganisation for the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. The committee discussed potential library reviews and the financial implications of a developer's difficulties.

Questions to Portfolio Holders

Councillor Keith Kondakor raised concerns about the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service's preparedness for heatwaves, to which Councillor Rob Gisbourne responded that liaison with police regarding arson incidents was ongoing, including school presentations. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sally Waldron confirmed that four resilience teams would be available at all times and that the hospital to homes service hours had been extended. The Chair noted the positive HMICFRS inspection report for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Annual Library Performance Review

The committee received an update on the performance of Warwickshire Libraries, highlighting a 3.2% decrease in physical visits but a 7% increase in digital usage. Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries, Heritage and Culture and Registration, presented the report, noting that libraries continue to offer a wide range of services beyond book lending, including digital support, health and wellbeing initiatives, and community cohesion activities.

Councillor Keith Kondakor raised concerns about the disparity in event attendance between Nuneaton Library and Polesworth Library, suggesting a need for better event promotion and potential temporary parking solutions near Nuneaton Library due to ongoing building works. Councillor Sarah Harris noted the vital role of digital services and warm spaces for pensioners. Councillor David Curtis praised the library service and congratulated the team on securing a National Year of Green Grant, highlighting the value of libraries as community assets. He also pointed out a potential typo in the report regarding year-on-year increases.

Following extensive discussion and public input, the committee discussed the possibility of asking the Leader that any review of libraries and public spaces be cross-party, examine policies and processes governing stock selection, display, and withdrawal, and report findings to the committee. They also discussed asking that the wording of the terms of reference for any review be clearly set out before it takes place.

Resources, Fire and Rescue Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report

Craig Cusack, Director of Enabling Services, presented the Quarter 1 Integrated Performance Report, indicating that 84% of Council Delivery Plan deliverables were on track, with 74% of Key Business Measures achieved. He noted sustained improvements in Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service's response times and preventative work, but highlighted ongoing challenges with workforce sickness absence and capital project delivery. Councillor Keith Kondakor questioned the figures for agency spend, and Craig Cusack agreed to provide further detail. Councillor David Curtis raised concerns about sickness levels, and Bal Jacob, Director of Workforce and Local Services, explained that musculoskeletal issues were a primary cause, particularly in adult social care, and that proactive interventions were being piloted. Councillor Edward Harris noted the ongoing concern regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit and enquired about updates from the Treasury. Sarah Duxbury, Director of Strategy, Planning and Governance, addressed concerns about data breaches and subject access requests, explaining that most breaches were due to human error and that while demand for subject access requests was increasing, cyber-attacks were being successfully repelled. Craig Cusack provided an update on the Mosaic system, explaining that a migration to a cloud-hosted system was underway to mitigate risks.

OSC Resources and Fire and Rescue Annual Feedback Report

Ruth Rollings, Service Manager for Customer Relations, presented the annual customer feedback report. Overall feedback cases increased by 17%, with complaints rising by 19% and comments by 56%, while compliments decreased by 25%. Within the Resources Directorate, complaints increased by 37%, with financial issues, service standards, and communication being the main categories. Libraries and the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme received the highest number of complaints. For the Fire and Rescue Service, complaint volumes remained low, with two complaints recorded. The report highlighted lessons learned, including the use of plain English, clearer explanations, and improved expectation management.

Treasury Management Q1 Update Report

Chris Norton, Head of Investments, Audit and Risk, presented the Q1 Treasury Management Update Report. Total treasury investments stood at £171.6m, with external borrowing remaining unchanged. Liquid funds increased, providing flexibility. Interest income on treasury investments was forecast at £8.5m, exceeding the budget, though this was noted as windfall income. Councillor Keith Kondakor raised questions about lending to other local authorities, and Chris Norton confirmed that returns were slightly better than money market funds and bank rates, with low credit risk. Councillor David Curtis commended officers on the report, noting the prudent approach to investments.

Local Government Reorganisation and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service

Ben Brook, Chief Fire Officer, presented the implications of Local Government Reorganisation for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. He explained that WFRS would become a standalone organisation governed by a Combined Fire Authority, composed of elected councillors from the North and South Unitary Authorities. This would necessitate the disaggregation of enabling services currently integrated with Warwickshire County Council. Funding would come from council tax precept, business rates, and government grants. The report outlined key deliverables, including the establishment of a Combined Fire Authority and ensuring WFRS's legal, safe, and sustainable operation by Vesting Day on 1 April 2028. Financial implications were noted as significant but not yet fully known, with work underway to determine the transfer of budgets, funding, assets, and liabilities.

Work Programme

Councillor Keith Kondakor enquired about the timeline for the Estates Review, and it was confirmed that this would be addressed and potentially linked to a confidential item. The committee noted the work programme, with additional items to be added as a result of discussions throughout the afternoon.